“Football too easy for him” – Kobbie Mainoo, at 18, awarded with England Player of the Match on his first international start, fans react

This International break proved to be a big break for youngsters in National teams. From Endrick to Lamine Yamal and now Kobbie Mainoo, it was the youngsters that shone in the past week. Manchester United and England starlet Kobbie Mainoo made headlines as he received his first senior team call-up prior to the break. He certainly didn’t disappoint as he took home the man-of-the-match award against Belgium.

After receiving a 25-minute cameo against Brazil earlier this week, Mainoo was in the starting line-up to face Belgium. He certainly didn’t disappoint, as the crowd was witness to flashes of brilliance on Tuesday night. Clips of the 18-year-old weaving his way through the midfield and ‘nutmegging’ opposition players have gone viral on social media.

The teenager put up such a brilliant display that many even claimed that he was the key to unlocking England’s attack at the Euros. However, his side weren’t able to clinch victory, as Belgium exposed the Three Lions’ biggest weakness, their defense.

The game ended 2-2 thanks to a late goal from Jude Bellingham in the 95th minute of the game. However, Mainoo taking home the man-of-the-match award in his first-ever start is nothing short of brilliant.

Fans react to Kobbie Mainoo’s electric display as England draw 2-2 against Belgium

An 18-year-old feeling so comfortable and confident on the ball in his first-ever start for the National team is no simple feat. A fan commented that Kobbie Mainoo was simply a generational talent and rival fans wished they had a player like him. Others spammed clips of his brilliant display at Wembley and said that he was more than deserving of the MOTM.

Many said that winning the award playing alongside Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice and Phil Foden was an achievement in itself. Some were in disbelief as to how he managed to achieve so much since his first Premier League start in November 2023. Despite all the praise, a certain set of rival fans questioned what he did to deserve the award.

Some were concerned at the excessive amount of media attention that he was receiving. Fans claimed that putting too much pressure on the youngster may turn out to be detrimental in the long run. Some said that he was certainly destined for greatness, and taking into account his recent performances, it isn’t hard to see why. Here are some of the reactions:

Going by the performances of late, Mainoo has got what it takes to live up to the billing. And now that the International break is over, he will be lacing up for Manchester United vs. Brentford on the 30th of March.

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